Thursday, May 17, 2018

Medal of Valor awardees, dependents to receive transport benefits

In recognition of the services and acts of heroism displayed by our armed forces, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade enjoined all transportation offices and agencies to grant benefits to all Medal of Valor awardees, as indicated under Republic Act (RA 9049).

Under the law, a Medal of Valor awardee, including his/her widow/widower and/or dependents, shall be entitled to a 20 percent discount on all transportation services, public or private, anywhere in the country.

Beneficiaries will receive discounts on air and sea fares, including advanced booking, and on land fares such as public railways, buses, jeepneys, taxi and shuttle services, and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).

Medal of Valor awardees and their widow/widower and/or dependents shall also be allowed to use the VIP and heroes’ lounges and facilities in all airports nationwide, free of charge.

To avail of these benefits, the Medal of Valor awardee, his/her widow/widower and/or dependents must present a valid and original Medal of Valor Identification Card issued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as proof of eligibility. The benefits shall apply to awardees under Presidential Decree No. 1678, which have since been integrated to the Philippine National Police.

Tugade said giving the proper discount and benefits is just a small way of paying back the sacrifices and heroism of the awardees.

“This simple gesture is our way of showing our gratitude to our valiant soldiers. They went above and beyond their call of duty to ensure our safety, and we are forever in their debt,” said Tugade.

Agencies that will be honoring the privileges for the Medal of Valor awardees include the following: Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Manila International Airport Authority, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Clark International Airport Corporation, Light Rail Transit Authority, Philippine National Railways, Metro Rail Transit 3, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

The Medal of Valor award is given to military personnel who performed a conspicuous deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty that distinguishes the recipient from his comrades. Currently, there are 41 recipients of the award, with five of them remaining in active service.